Farm animals consume a byproduct of making SILO Vodka

When Chuck Thorburn, the owner of Circle T Ranch in Hartland, Vt., calls his cows, they come running. Their hustle may be because they know they're about to get a real treat. "Stillage is like candy to them," Thorburn said.

Stillage looks like wet oatmeal and smells like bread dough. It's a by-product of making vodka at the new SILO Vodka distillery in Windsor, Vt. It has been producing the spirit for a few short months, but celebrated its grand opening Monday. "The craft distilling industry is still extremely small," said Peter Jillson, the CEO of American Crafted Spirits, the company that produces SILO.

Peter Jillson is an eighth-generation Vermonter. He left a career as a health care executive to turn Vermont-grown grain into what he calls a smooth-sipping drink with no burn. "It is good," one guest at the grand opening beamed Monday. "It is so good!"

"And I didn't even pay him to say that, either!" Jillson chuckled.

Vermont's Liquor Control Dept. told New England Cable News Monday there are now 17 businesses that hold licenses to produce craft spirits in the state, with a handful of others at various stages in the application process. Liquor Control Commissioner Michael Hogan noted the number has climbed significantly in recent years, along with the brands' output. Hogan said craft spirits are particularly popular with tourists, who enjoy visiting distilleries and taking home a high-end product.

That appeal to tourists may be why SILO located in Windsor, near several other destination businesses including Harpoon Brewery, Simon Pearce, Vermont Farmstead Cheese, Great River Outfitters, and the Path of Life Sculpture Garden. All appeared to have plenty of visitors Monday afternoon.

"It's a growing industry in Vermont, and I think it's got a bright future," said Gov. Peter Shumlin, D-Vt.

Shumlin predicted craft spirits will reinforce the state's reputation as a top producer of high-quality food and drink, many items inspired by so-called "farm-to-table" concept. He also praised the way SILO Vodka is sourcing its grain from the nearby Great River Farm, and contributing to job growth and economic development in Windsor County.

Jillson said he currently employs five people, and will likely double that number in the coming months. Expansions to other product lines, including gin, are planned, Jillson added.

Currently, SILO Vodka is available for $34.99 at Vermont State Liquor Stores, and at the company's tasting room in Windsor. Jillson told NECN he soon expects to be selling his product in state-controlled liquor stores in New Hampshire and Maine, followed by select stores in Massachusetts and Connecticut by the fall or early winter. For more on the company, visit this website: http://www.silovodka.com/

As for Chuck Thorburn's beef cattle, by the time they eat the stillage, the alcohol's all gone, but nutrients remain. "You get to fatten your animals up at less expense," Thorburn said.

"It's a big circle; it's great," Jillson said of his business's relationship with Thorburn. "We don't have any waste, really."

The rancher and his herd are certainly eager vodka fans, and toasting Vermont's growing liquor sector.

LEADER IN CRAFT BEER PRODUCTION IS WELL-KNOWN. THE SMALL STATE TOPS THE NATION IN THE NUMBER OF CRAFT BREWERIES PER-CAPITA. NOW FOLLOWING IN THOSE FOOTSTEPS-- ARE A GROWING NUMBER OF BRANDS OF HIGH-END, HARD LIQUOR. AND AS JACK THURSTON REPORTS-- THE PROCESS OF MANUFACTURING SPIRITS-- HAS A PAYOFF YOU MAY NOT HAVE REALIZED. SCRIPT When Chuck Thorburn calls his cows-- they come running. Because they're about to get a real treat. Stillage looks like wet oatmeal and smells like bread dough. It's a by- product of making vodka... ...At the new Silo Vodka distillery -- celebrating its grand opening in Windsor, Vermont Monday. Peter Jillson is the company's CEO -- and an eighth- generation Vermonter -- who left a career as a health care executive to turn Vermont-grown grain -- into what he calls a smooth- sipping, no burn drink. : And I didn't even pay him to say that!!) Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin predicts craft spirits will reinforce the state's reputation as a top producer of high-quality food and drink-- and praises the way Silo Vodka is sourcing ingredients from close by -- then repurposing its leftovers as fertilizer or feed for livestock. As for Chuck Thorburn's beef cattle ... No!) by the time they get the stillage -- the alcohol's all gone, but nutrients remain. This rancher and his herd are eager fans-- toasting Vermont's growing liquor sector. In Windsor, Jack Thurston, NC 5.